Ancient Anuradhapura: a happiness oasis?Lecture to be held on Monday 28th at 5.00 p.m. at the Mahaveli Centre.
Posted on November 23rd, 2016
Lecture to be held on Monday 28th at 5.00 p.m. at the Mahaveli Centre. All are welcome.
Ancient Anuradhapura: a happiness oasis?
Dr. Susantha Goonatilake
Over the years there has been a departure away from economistic definitions of development like the Gross Domestic Product to the Physical Quality of Life of the 1970’s, to the Human Development Index HDI of the 1990’s, to currently a Happiness Index. As these measures of development were changing, there was a parallel movement in psychology examining Asian explorations of the mind. Thousands of scientific papers have appeared on the efficacy of mindfulness meditation for happiness. The lecture by Dr Susantha Goonatilake notes how recent research on Anuradhapura has removed the essence of Anuradhapura. Examples would be the work of Conningham and his Sri Lanka followers who bracket the city with the human sacrificing Mayas. The lecture describes using descriptions in the Buddhist commentaries how in many ways Anuradhapura life could fit into current explorations of happiness, especially those found in psychology.
November 24th, 2016 at 2:55 am
Dr. Goonetilake
It would be a welcome change from the Government hand in hand with the TNA trying to demonise Buddhism in Sri Lanka as a barrier for reconciliation . It would be great if you could ask the organisers to make a video of your presentation for those who are unable to attend the lecture.
November 24th, 2016 at 1:48 pm
Charles, That is a very good suggestion. Please have the presentation properly recorded, I know Dr. Goonatileke does lot of research on the topics he presents. Recently I watched a video clip of retired Major General Kamal Gunaratne, the cameraman did not do justice. It was filmed from a side and the audio too was not clear. Therefore, Dr. Goonetilake and Mahaveli Centre, please employ a proper Video Professional.